I only accept and pay attention to feedback from people who are also in the arena. If you’re occasionally getting your butt kicked as you respond, and if you’re also figuring out how to stay open to feedback it without getting pummeled with insults, I’m more likely to pay attention to your thoughts about my work.

Apparantly, she even goes so far as to carry a list in her wallet of the few people whose opinions truly matter to her. I think I might do that. It’s all part of trying to halt the shame cycle before it begins. Only true friends make the list, the ones whose connections have been tested, stretched, and proven.